Should I take chloroquine phosphate, hydroxychloroquine or other medicines to prevent or treat COVID-19?

At this time, there are no products that are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.

Pharmaceutical chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate are approved by the FDA to treat specific medical conditions, such as malaria, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate, when used without a prescription and supervision of a healthcare provider, can cause serious health consequences, including death. In overdose situations, when used inappropriately or when used in combination with other drugs, these medications can lead to severe toxicity, including cardiac rhythm disturbances such as prolonged QT, severe hypokalemia, cardiovascular collapse, seizures, coma, and death.

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1. How is COVID-19 diagnosed?
2. What is a viral test, and what do the results tell you)?
3. What is an antibody test?
4. What do the results from an antibody test mean?
5. What are the limitations of antibody testing?
6. Are test materials available in St. Charles County, and how may they be obtained?
7. How does St. Charles County utilize test results? Can an antibody test affect the quarantine period for an individual?
8. How is COVID-19 treated?
9. Should I take chloroquine phosphate, hydroxychloroquine or other medicines to prevent or treat COVID-19?
10. My question was not listed among these FAQs. Where can I go for additional information?